Archive June 12, 2025

Ex Miss Universe star Erin McNaught and her partner Stace Cadet have shared the heartbreaking news their son Obi Brooks Kotaras, seven months, has been diagnosed with a brain tumour

Australian model and former Miss Universe star Erin McNaught and her partner Stace Cadet have shared their heartache as their son has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Erin, 43, who gave birth to their first child in October, and her record producer beau Stace released a statement this morning, sharing the devastating news about their son Obi Brooks Kotaras.

The statement, shared on their Instagram pages, consisted of a snap of Obi laying on a hospital bed, a photo of his brain scan and a snap of the tot cuddling his dad. The statement in the caption read: “For the last few weeks we have noticed a rapid decline in Obi’s behaviour and happiness. He was having problems eating, sleeping and most recently, keeping his head straight.

“Late on Tuesday, as a precaution we took our little man in for an MRI under instruction from our Doctor. At about 6:00pm Tuesday night we met with a neurosurgeon who broke the heartbreaking news that Obi has a large brain tumour on the right side of his brain.

“We are absolutely shattered and the last few days have been our hardest days. Our team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital have been incredible and we remain hopeful that we can remove the mass and get Obi healthy and happy, pending the results.

“We have a long and difficult road ahead us but are so lucky to have our family and friends’ support at this time and we’re keeping focussed on getting our little boy back.”

The couple were flooded with supportive messages in the comments. One follower wrote: “Big love team. Obi will be a fighter like his parents” followed by a red heart emoji. A second said: “Oh my heart just dropped. Sending love and strength” followed by a red heart emoji.

“Oh no — this is heartbreaking Sending so much hope & strength xx” another said as a fourth penned: “Thoughts are with you and the family” followed by two red heart emojis.

The heartache comes after the couple announced the birth of their son in October. Sharing a sweet photo of Stace having some skin to skin time with his newborn, the couple wrote in the caption: “Welcome home ‘Mr. Obi Brooks Kotaras’. We can’t believe how perfect you are and both feel so overwhelmed with pure joy.”

The tot is Erin’s first child with Stace. She also has Evander, seven, and Ennio, five, with her ex-husband Example. Erin and Exmaple, real name Elliot Gleave, were married for 11 years before they split in 2022.

Netflix have released a first look trailer and release date for new music competition show Building The Band – starring former One Direction star Liam Payne as a guest judge

A first look trailer and release date for Netflix’s new show Building The Band, featuring Liam Payne as a guest judge has been revealed. The show, which was filmed months before the star’s tragic death, will feature a Love Is Blind format in which singers will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before even seeing them.

The talent show will see the late Liam Payne in the judging panel alongside Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland and a number of guest judges along the way.

The trio filmed the show alongside host, Backstreet Boys star AJ McClean, in summer 2024, just months before the One Direction stars untimely death.

READ MORE: Liam Payne fans boycott TMZ documentary as they beg ‘let him rest’

Netflix had previously delayed the release of the show as the producers and family were weighing Payne’s inclusion in the series. The show has now given a release date of July 9, as the team and Liam’s family decided to move forward with Liam remaining in the series.

The show is set to run over three weeks with two episodes releasing weekly on July 9, July 16 and July 23.

“Liam Payne’s family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion,” Netflix said in a statement.

Now, the streamer have released a first look trailer for the new show. Netflix fans may recognise the set up, which looks similar to the Love Is Blind pods.

During the trailer, fans can see hopeful bandmembers enter the pods, with contestant Donzell taking centre stage. Fellow contestants are blown away by his voice, as they listen in to build their very own band based on musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and raw talent.

The trailer does not show Liam, or any of the judges, or directly mention his involvement in the show. His involvement was announced before his tragic death, with the star taking part in filming in August 2024 in Manchester, England.

Liam Payne died in October 2024 at age 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Following Liam’s tragic death, his former One Direction bandmates released a joint statement which read: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.

“In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever.

“For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”

JoJo Siwa has reportedly been dropped by record label Columbia Records a year after releasing her single Karma and an EP called Guilty Pleasure with the music giant

JoJo Siwa has been dropped by her label Columbia Records, reports suggest. The singer, who is currently dating her Celebrity Big Brother co-star Chris Hughes, is now said to be on the hunt for another label.

The news comes as it was revealed she has released her latest tune, Bulletproof, independently. She had initially been signed to the powerhouse in the industry, who also boasts the likes of Miley Cyrus and Halle on their roster.

However, the official site no longer lists JoJo on their artists page. It comes after she released her single Karma and an EP called Guilty Pleasure with the music giant last year.

A source told the Mail: “JoJo has been dropped by Columbia Records… she self-released her latest song Bulletproof whereas Karma was done with the label. She has been in London on the lookout for a new record company to sign with and playing gigs hoping to impress the right people.”

Despite her apparent dropping, JoJo continues to tour. Her US shows are set to continue later this month, with new man Chris Hughes expected to be in the crowd to support her.

JoJo, 22, recently opened up on the sweet bond the duo have formed after spending more time together since leaving the Celebrity Big Brother house. JoJo was speaking to Capital Breakfast presenter Jordan North earlier this week about her love for Chris, 32.

She told the host: “You know what’s interesting? As hectic as life is, and as much as that noise goes on, I feel like Christopher and I discovered this beautiful house together.

“And this house is earthquake proof, and it’s fireproof, and bulletproof. And you know, we discovered this house and found the keys, and we took the keys and locked ourselves in, and now it’s like… You know what I mean? I feel like that with myself, I feel like that with him.”

Jordan then asked her if Chris was her “happy place,” to which she certainly agreed. She went on: “Oh my god, absolutely! We’re having the best time. He’s just the best!

“I was saying this to my parents the other day. Like, I’m decently nice; he makes me look like I’m mean! And I’m like known for being nice, that’s the thing. People say to me, ‘Oh, you’re so nice’.

“He makes me we want to be nicer, because he’s such a nice human. He’s the best egg in the batch! I could never get tired of speaking highly of him, he’s just the best.”

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Westlife have announced that they are reuniting to celebrate their 25th anniversary – but band member Mark Feehily will not be joining the boys on stage as he continues to battle health issues

Westlife fans are sharing their sadness as the band confirm Mark Feehily will be unable to join the boys on stage for the band’s 25th anniversary plans as he continues to battle health issues.

Mark, alongside Nicky Byrne, Shane Filan and Kian Egan, enjoyed huge success with the Irish band before announcing in February 2024 that he was taking a step back from the band due to ill health.

But many had hoped Mark would be able to re-join the group to celebrate the milestone anniversary. However, in a message shared on social media on Wednesday night, Westlife wrote: “To our amazing fans, We would like to take this opportunity to share some very important news with you all.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our 25th Anniversary celebrations… On the 9th February 2001 we kicked off our first ever world tour at the Newcastle Arena. Who would have thought we would still be here 25 years later?

“We have so many exciting plans to share with you very soon which will include new music, an album, special shows and many, many more surprises along the way.

“Sadly, Mark will be unable to join the celebrations. We hope he can join us back on stage when he is ready and able. He sends his love and positivity to you all as always.

“The four of us can’t quite believe its been 25 years. We could only have dreamt of the continued love and loyalty you have consistently shown us around the world. We are so lucky to have all of you with us and we can’t wait to celebrate together! Happy 25th To Us All! Love, Kian, Mark, Nicky & Shane x.”

Westlife fans were divided at the statement in the comment section. One told the lads: “I don’t know whether to cry with happiness that you’re finally coming back for your 25th year anniv or sob at the fact that mark won’t be joining you to celebrate it. I’m so overwhelmed…”

“Love you guys… BUT, Westlife isn’t Westlife without Mark. 3 just don’t cut it,” another wrote, with a third pondering: “I wonder if Bryan McFadden will possibly join them for some shows?” Brian McFadden was a member of Westlife before leaving in March 2004.

Mark first opened up about his health struggles last year when he announced his departure from Westlife. Sharing a heartfelt message on the band’s official Instagram account, he wrote: “Hello and much love to you all! It’s Mark here.. Most of you are aware that I have had some health challenges over the past while. It actually all started 3.5 years ago in August 2020 when I had surgery. Within a few days of this surgery I was in severe pain and was rushed into AandE.”

He continued: “I eventually ended that awful day in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I was informed that due to a complication with the surgery, I had developed severe “Sepsis”, a life-threatening infection that would require immediate emergency surgery to rectify the problem and basically save my life. I spent the next few months in hospital. It was during lockdown. For months, due to strict Covid restrictions, I was not allowed any visitors including my fiance and my then 10-month-old daughter. It was physically and mentally a very difficult time, not to mention traumatic having to spend so long in ICU.”

Mark revealed that he was discharged from hospital in December 2020 but has since grappled with chronic health issues. He elaborated: “In late 2021, I became very ill in Newcastle before a concert and ended up back in AandE, this time being told I had pneumonia. I was told I had to go straight home to recover and regrettably miss the rest of the concerts that December. I was referred to a consultant who told me I needed more surgery which I went ahead with in May 2022 meaning I was forced to miss more of The Wild Dreams tour.”

“Three months after that surgery, I tried my best to soldier on for you guys and to go back on tour but unfortunately the physical demands of the concerts and extensive travel were proving too much for me. I developed a very large ‘incisional hernia’ and I was told that I needed further surgery to fix it. This would be my fourth major surgery since the start of it all, but I had no option.”

Fortunately, his most recent surgery was successful, yet Mark acknowledged his need to take a step back to recuperate. “It is with the utmost level of regret that I must now temporarily stand down from all Westlife touring until a time that I have had the chance to fully recover from the turbulent journey I have been through as an individual,” he confessed.

“Believe me, I wish things could be different! I would like to thank you so very much for your support and understanding of me and my health over the past few years.”

He expressed his gratitude towards his family and medical team for their support during his health struggles. Mark went on: “To Shane, Kian and Nicky, I love you three and I know you’ll knock it out of the park. I’ll be there with you in spirit for each and every show whilst you continue to fly the Westlife flag around the world.”

Openly acknowledging his current condition, he confided: “But for now, I have to make the right decision for my health and wellbeing, for my family, and for myself as a person. Please don’t worry. Sending the most positive vibes in your direction, I will see you very soon beautiful people! WESTLIFE FOREVER! Love, Mark Feehily xx.”

Brooklyn Beckham has seemingly given a response to his brother Cruz’s recent heartfelt post, which comes as the Beckham family continue to be rocked by the bitter feud tearing them apart

Brooklyn Beckham is seemingly in no rush to reconcile with his family as his little brother extends an olive branch. Cruz Beckham made a touching response to the rumours plaguing the Beckham clan on Wednesday, sharing a throwback snap of himself, Brooklyn, their siblings and mum Victoria Beckham on his Instagram Stories.

But if 20-year-old Cruz was hoping his trip down memory lane would spark some kind of reaction from Brooklyn, it doesn’t appear to have worked.

The eldest son of Victoria and David Beckham, who is said to be embroiled in a bitter row with his kin over his wife Nicola Peltz, is allegedly ignoring messages from his parents. Now, it looks like the former aspiring photographer, 26, is metaphorically turning his back on his family.

Taking to Instagram late Wednesday night, just hours on from Cruz’s cute post, Brooklyn turned his back to the camera as he showed off his new linens.

With his exposed back showing off some of his many tattoos – and the results of a recent cupping session – Brooklyn held a pile of white towels in his hand for the shot. The aspiring cook simply captioned the snap “@fretteofficial [love heart emoji]” – an Italian linen brand.

But Brooklyn’s followers were less bothered by his new luxury homeware in the comment section. “Call your Mum,” one simply stated, as another begged: “Brooklyn, whatever has happened, please don’t cut off your whole family.

“Take time to get yourself together and have a breather, please find your way back otherwise you will cause pain for yourself, your siblings and parents. If someone has hurt you, pls try to talk it through so that your on talking terms xxx.”

A third, referring to the C23 cap Brooklyn can be seen wearing in the post, savagely told the young star: “You should try selling your hot sauce without your dad’s name or number.” Brooklyn’s hot sauce company, Cloud23, was originally thought to be named in honour of dad David – a nod to the number the former England captain wore during his time at Real Madrid and LA Galaxy.

When a customer queried the brand’s name on the official website, a member of Brooklyn’s team explained, “The 23 included in our brand is a warm nod to Brooklyn’s father, David Beckham, who wore number 23 while playing for Real Madrid and LA Galaxy, inspired by NBA legend Michael Jordan.”

But during a recent interview, Brooklyn insisted that there’s no connection between the moniker of his sauce line, Cloud23, and his illustrious father. He told Glamour Germany in April: “The 23 stands for our engagement date and my age back then.” There was no reference to his father David during the conversation, who is also conspicuously absent from the Cloud23 website.

Hours before Brooklyn’s post, Cruz Beckham made a touching response to the rumours that his older brother Brooklyn has severed ties with their illustrious family, sharing an emotional post. The youngest Beckham boy took to Instagram to send a message to his elder sibling by posting a nostalgic snapshot on his Stories.

The poignant black and white image posted by Cruz captures a tender moment with all four Beckham kids huddled around their mum, Victoria. The former Spice Girl beams with pride as she holds Harper, with her sons cosying up for the snap on the sofa. Brooklyn is pictured on the left, resting his head lovingly on his mother’s shoulder.

Cruz’s nostalgic post isn’t the first time he’s seemingly sent a coded message to his brother. Last month, following Brooklyn’s declaration of always ‘choosing Nicola’, Cruz shared a thought-provoking post: “It takes 43 muscles in your face to frown, and 17 to smile. Be kind and tell the truth,” he penned.

In another heartfelt post, the 20 year old expressed his love for his family: “I love my family, I love you guys more than anything, mum and dad you gave us life and cared for us no matter what, I cannot tell you how blessed we all are to have you in our lives x.”

Rumours of a rift have been brewing for months after fans noticed that both Brooklyn and Nicola were noticeably absent from Victoria’s birthday and David’s 50th birthday celebrations.

Despite previously sharing affectionate posts with each other, the couple didn’t publicly back the Beckham clan. Instead of attending their family’s birthdays, they were spotted enjoying Coachella, attending various events, and even celebrating Nicola’s brother Will’s birthday.